I suspect that the Fillies play harder against the Nats. A matter of pride. The four or five time division champs against the team they never respected that is suddenly talked up all over Sports Entertainment Blather

That and:

- Harper needed that half season at AAA that he had to skip because so many hitters were injured

- Ryan Zimmerman's cortisone shot might be wearing off.

- LaRoche need to rest. Play Tyler Moore

- Missing Desmond and Morse

- Espinosa sometimes makes bad decisions (caught stealing last night in the 9th when down by two)

- Even with good pitching, they won't win if they score only two runs.